Ways To Protect Your Pancreas

DEAR PHARMACIST SUZY COHEN

Dear Pharmacist: Two people in my neighborhood have pancreatic cancer, and my favorite actor Patrick Swayze died of it. How can we protect ourselves? - E.D., New York City

It's among the top five leading cancers in the United States, it's extremely aggressive and, surprisingly, more than 250,000 people die of it worldwide.

With cancer, there are many factors at play, but no single smoking gun. If you have diabetes, gallbladder disease, Celiac disease or liver damage, your risk of pancreatic cancer is higher. There are also many household items and foods that increase your risk for pancreatic disease, so here are six things I want you to get rid of:

Cigarettes. Just like alcohol, cigarettes spark loose cannons in your body that destroy healthy cells and promote the growth of cancerous ones. A 2004 study proved that tobacco was an environmental trigger for pancreatic cancer in predisposed patients.

Soda and foods that contain HFCS: High fructose corn syrup is a very concentrated sweetener that forces your pancreas to secrete a truckload of insulin in order to neutralize the blood sugar spike that occurs after consumption. High insulin blood levels increase your risk of pancreatic cancer. In fact, there is an undeniable link between high insulin with pancreatic cancer according to a 2005 JAMA study.

Non-stick pots. Animal studies show that a chemical called PFOA is tied to cancer. Studies conflict, however some experts feel that non-stick pots are a source of this chemical.

Soft plastics that contain phthalates (like water bottles): There are numerous research articles that link phthalates to cancer.

Animal and trans fats. A study in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a direct relationship between pancreatic cancer and red meat-derived fats.

This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Go to DearPharmacist.com.